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Unanswered Prayer

March 21, 2012

These were commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us that only together with us would they be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off every thing that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run …..(Hebrews 11:39-12:1).

I have this thing about the term “unanswered prayer.” I believe there is such a thing.

Some argue that all prayers are answered, just not as “yes.” Those who argue this way feel very strongly about their position. I feel equally strong about mine.

Okay. I agree. Maybe some answers are “no or maybe.” And those may seem like they are unanswered. But what about the prayers that are prayed and no response is given at all? Silence. For me, a promise had been given, but life didn’t play out that way.

Prayer is not meant to be a monologue. (Though that is what many of us do.) Prayer is a dialogue, a conversation, between us and the One we are petitioning.

God reminded me of the scripture in Hebrews as I was talking with Him the other day about “unanswered prayer” asking if I were wrong. This scripture verifies to me that there is such a thing. Yet I’m realizing “unanswered prayers” just simply mean there is more coming.

They will be answered one day.

A sweet friend e-mailed me with a message from God yesterday concerning my sister. It was confirmation of my dialogue with Him since her death. Comforting. Promising. Strengthening. Humorous. How we need to laugh, don’t we? God is funny.

But most of all His message was the breath I needed to keep on keepin’ on. The strength I needed to run again–not a physical run (those days are over) but continue my spiritual marathon.

I’m in it for the long haul. That’s a given. But I’m back in it to bring as many people with me as I can and to continue praying bold prayers. The enemy wanted to stop me. But he hasn’t succeeded. God uses broken people to do His mightiest work. Broken people who are waiting for the unanswered prayer to one day be answered.

Kind words. I humbly say, thank you.

I have been following you since the night you came and spoke at Brandon Christian Writers. We talked about growing up as a military brats, the similar places we had lived, etc. I don’t comment often, but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your writing and being with you on our faith journeys.

So often, I feel like you write just what God wants me to hear or study and pray about. I want to confirm for you that your writing does make a difference. Thanks!

- Marsha Stephenson

Thank you so much for your inspiration, stories, and your amazing gift to teach/preach. We have enjoyed meeting you! ~ Julie and Jenna (Mom and daughter attending women's retreat in Portland, Maine.)

"My dear friend, as always, your insightfullness astounds me. Thank you for all you give us to contemplate, it is appreciated. Yours in Christ, J"

- J. Miller, Wilmington, NC

"My sister and I attended the conference at MAG in Ohio. It was a blessing to us both, and Tina is totally enjoying the gift Bible that she won. May God bless you."

- Mable Mason, Ohio

"You have always conveyed God’s word in a way that touches my heart and has been known to even penetrate my head! I love you Andy…keep up the good work! "

- Mary Beth Doane, Beverly, MA

"I have the privilege of calling Andy a close and dear friend. We met several years ago and discovered we were both writers. From that point on our hearts have been united in God. Andy is not just a skilled writer but a woman after God’s heart and that’s what makes both her writing and speaking effective and powerful!"

- Sandra Chambers, Wilmington, NC

I truly enjoy your posts and your perspectives. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent with us. We can tweet it, email it, pin it, facebook it and continue the sharing!

- Rhonda

"Andy Lee's words will affect you ... but her heart will stay with you for a long, long time."